Tinkler Discusses Balance, Highlights Mashiloane’s Role
Sekhukhune United head coach, Eric Tinkler, has opened up on the difficult prospect of balancing league and cup performances this season, whilst providing clarity on Tshepo Mashiloane’s role in his team.
The 55-year-old addressed the media ahead of his side’s Carling Knockout clash with Lamontville Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday [18:00].
The Carling Knockout will be the third competition that Tinkler’s side will be competing in this season, with the recently concluded MTN 8 and the ever-present Betway Premiership, amongst them.
Tinkler provided an insight into how he and his side navigate the packed fixture schedule.
“So, a lot of what you’re now providing to the players is just feedback, vocal feedback, and obviously try and show them post-match analysis of where we made our mistakes,” said Tinkler.
Babina Noko’s clash with Abafana Bes’thende will be their third game in the space of eleven days, which has seen them pick up one point out of six available points, as they look to return to winning ways.
“It’s far easier to work on those aspects of our game [attack] on the field of play during the training sessions, but when games are coming thick and fast, it becomes difficult to apply those situations, but also the fact of we spoke about it at the beginning of the season,” added Tinkler, reflecting on his side’s recent struggles in front of goal.
The man steering Sekhukhune’s ship also gave clarity on Tshepo Mashiloane’s role on the side, as the 23-year-old can play at centre back and right back.
“So, he’s a carbon copy of Matsimbi, because Matsimbi was a centre back at Black Leopards, and now I’ve turned him into a right back. He can play both, you know,” explained Tinkler.
Mashiloane joined Sekhukhune on a season-long loan from Orlando Pirates, as a replacement for Matsimbi, who suffered a long-term injury earlier in the campaign.
“So, he wasn’t really on our radar in the beginning. He, in fact, played against us when we played Pirates [in the first game of the season], you know. So that was the opportunity that I got to see that he actually played like that,” added Tinkler.
Tinkler will be hoping that Mashiloane and his teammates can help his side rekindle their fire against Mngqithi’s in-form Arrows side.
